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Is there a final common pathway affected in POAG?

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Abstract:

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is frequently, but not always, associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP, ocular hypertension), and treatment strategies universally seek to lower IOP. The relationship between disease processes in the conventional outflow pathway responsible for ocular hypertension and those in the retina resulting in retinal ganglion cell loss is uncertain. Interestingly, disease-causing mutations in three proteins, myocilin, tank-binding protein-1, and optineurin cause POAG and function in the endosomal compartment. Moreover, polymorphisms in the genetic locus for caveolins increase risk for the development of POAG and also function in the endosomal compartment. Here, we review the evidence suggesting that these divergent gene products are linked to a single pathology that exhibits a functional intersection at the endosomal system. This exercise provides novel insights into recent discoveries, and may lead to new research directions that facilitate better treatments and understanding of this blinding disease.

Glaucoma Research 2018-2020, pp. 99-110 #7
Edited by: John R. Samples and Paul A. Knepper
© Kugler Publications, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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